MUGELLO (Italy): Sebastian Vettel said he was excited to join Aston Martin next year and has no regrets over his six years at Ferrari for unable to achieve his objective.
The four-time world champion felt revitalised but looked back with pleasure on his years at Maranello.
“I don’t regret the years that I’ve spent with Ferrari,” said Vettel ahead of this weekend’s Tuscan Grand Prix.
“They are a big part of my life. In the very beginning, Ferrari has a special place, the way I grew up looking at Michael [Schumacher] and him racing at Ferrari.
“For sure, I wanted to do better than I did, but I’ve certainly tried everything. We had good times, also bad times, but it’s probably part of it and now probably for both sides, it’s time to move on.”
Ferrari told the German driver in May that they were not renewing his contract, leaving him stunned and, at times, close to leaving F1 as he reflected on his prospects.
In the end, he said on Thursday, he wanted to continue racing and was very happy to join the Silverstone-based Racing Point team when it is renamed Aston Martin.
“Naturally, I joined Ferrari not just to join Ferrari and not just win races, but win championships and win it in the right way,” said Vettel.
“Obviously, in that regard, you can say we have failed.
“We didn’t win the championship. I think we had good moments and highlight moments that I wouldn’t want to miss. I’ve got to know people that really helped me. I’ve got to make friends, potentially for life. So I wouldn’t want to miss that.”
